Mercedes-AMG SL 55 launched at a price tag of Rs 2.35 crore
Mercedes-Benz has launched the SL 55 AMG in India with an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.35 crore. Initially introduced internationally in late 2021, the model is in its seventh generation. The SL-Class has been significant for Mercedes and started in 1954 with the legendary 300 SL, which had the signature gullwing doors. In 1957, the roadster succeeded the coupé and had conventional passenger doors.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 exterior
The SL comes in a roadster form featuring sleek styling and a soft top. The top can go down in fifteen seconds to a speed of 60kmph, and Mercedes claims that the soft top saves 21kg. The front is typical of current-generation Mercedes-AMG cars with a large grille and vertical slits with chrome inserts. Rounding up the front are the slim, sharply outlined ‘Digital Light’ LED headlamps and big air intakes just below those. Continuing from the previous generations, the new SL also gets a long bonnet with an extended wheelbase. The bonnet incorporates two bulges typical of the SL-Class. The sides continue the sleek design language with wide wheel arches and 19-inch rims. At the rear, the active rear spoiler sits just above the taillamps, which sport the same sharp design as the headlights. The bottom gets a black gloss diffuser with a chrome element wrapping the exhaust outlets.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 interior
The interior design keeps the driver in mind, with Nappa leather with diamond quilting and contrast stitching. The stitching runs throughout the interior, including the doors. You can also choose a combination of Nappa leather with ‘Dinamica Race’ microfibre and contrasting topstitching in yellow or red. The new SL features a completely redesigned concept with 2+2 seats. The AMG Performance steering wheel features rounded twin spokes, integrated buttons, and round drive-mode selectors. The SL also offers an optional head-up display. The instrument cluster is fully digital and integrated into a three-dimensional visor with a 12.3-inch LCD. The centre console features an 11.9-inch portrait-format, rising touchscreen that can be electrically adjusted in inclination to prevent light reflections when the soft top is open. The SL offers the latest-generation MBUX system with various display styles. AMG sports seats with integrated headrests come standard, although you can also choose the AMG performance seats as added extras. The boot offers 213-litre space, and the lid can be opened and closed automatically with a kicking motion of the foot below the bumper.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 chassis
The new Mercedes-AMG SL also gets a completely redesigned vehicle architecture, and Mercedes claims no components are adopted from the predecessor SL or any other model. The material mix of aluminium, steel, magnesium, and fibre composites enables high rigidity at a low weight. The torsional stiffness of the body shell structure has increased by 18 per cent compared to the previous model series.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 powertrain
Overseas, you also get an option of the SL 63, but we are only getting the SL 55 variant. The SL 55 is powered by a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with 474bhp and a peak torque of 700Nm. 0-100 kmph sprint takes 3.9 seconds, and the car tops out at 295kmph. It features the hot-vee that this engine has had since its introduction.
The SL is equipped with a 9-speed DCT transmission for short shift times and can also assist with multiple downshifts with the auto throttle-blip function in the Sport and Sport+ driving modes. It also gets an all-wheel drive system for the first time.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 price and rivals
Mercedes has launched the SL 55 AMG in India with a starting price tag of Rs 2.35 crore, but the prices will increase depending on the options. As for the rivals, sports convertibles like the Bentley Continental GT Spyder, Z4 M40i and the Jaguar F-type convertible offer a good alternative.
You can watch the launch below.
